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Director of Strategic Communications and Media Relations
Education Industry Company
Fairfax, VA, United States
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Basic Function
The Director, Strategic Communications is responsible for leading the development of strategic communications programs and elevating the institution profile of Company. Efforts include support of the institutions brand messaging, development of strategic communications programs; media relations expert, media strategist and institution spokesperson, executive thought leadership, vendor management, and budget management
Duties and Responsibilities
• Working with the communications organization, this role is accountable for leading the strategic development of communications programs and elevating the organization’s institution profile.
• Responsible for supporting a consistent internal and external brand messaging strategy that is reflected across all programs and service areas (campuses), as well as select internal marketing programs.
• Develops communications key messages and talking points and manages the implementation across all communications programs (PR, Donor Relations and internal etc.). Assist with strategic communication requirements for executive, including presentation development, interview talking points and speech writing, if applicable.
• Serves as chief media strategist and college spokesperson; responsible for identifying and building relationships with new and existing editors, reporters, producers, bloggers and tech analysts to increase media coverage.
• Drive editorial story planning, writing and pitching to both domestic and national press, including all necessary reporter follow-up efforts (fact-finding, quote development/approval, executive interview coordination, etc.) Uncover and exploit exposure opportunities with key media outlets. Enhances college visibility through thought leadership; responsible for enhancing and implementing a Speakers Bureau. Role is required to proactively seek and manage strategic executive visibility opportunities for the organization.
• Supports Donor Relations programs, providing direction on message development and support for quarterly earnings and other financial announcements.
• Monitors industry issues and competitive landscape to adjust college positioning and messaging as required.
• Lead, develop, motivate, manage and work with a high performing team, including contractors, to meet strategic goals and business objectives while staying within budget.
• Build strong working relationships with company executives, marketing/sales/workforce and business development teams, vendors, agencies and college partners to promote an integrated communications approach across the region. Create and implement training programs for executive leaders, provosts and faculty/staff to increase their communication skills and capabilities
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business or a related field, or equivalent education and work experience.
• Significant professional experience in business-to-business and/or business-to-government communications.
Preferred Qualifications
Marketing experience in higher education. a state agency or technology industry.
Master’s Degree
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of corporate communications and public relations within a higher Ed and business-to-business communications industry.
• Experience providing direction to staff writers and public information officers to achieve corporate initiatives.
• Experience working within a large multi-site institution and promoting the organization locally.
• Strong organization and time management skills that enable the employee to prioritize and manage a high volume of detailed work with conflicting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills to facilitate routine and accelerated work requests with external contacts and manage internal expectations.
• Immense personal initiative is required to anticipate requests before they are received.
• A positive and professional team player attitude that works well under pressure and is flexible and responsible. Attention to detail, strong work ethic and initiative are key.
• Continuously strive to increase knowledge of institution policies and procedures, as well as a robust understanding of the multiple campus services business.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel), and online communications tools (WordPress, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.)
Background Check Statement
The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of an extensive criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment), and other checks requested by the Company such as I-9 and E-Verify requirements. Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest.